On the Record: Student Journalism, Free Speech, and Tradition at W&L

Host Kamron Spivey sits down with former W&L Spectator staff Drew Thompson ('25) and Henry Haden ('25) to explore the history and impact of student journalism at Washington and Lee University. From the earliest student publication in 1848 to the founding of the Ring-Tum Phi and the rise of The Spectator, they trace how student reporting has shaped campus life for over 150 years.

The conversation covers their personal journeys joining The Spectator, the power of campus-specific reporting on issues like dining plan costs and DEI mandates, and the viral Traveller plaque controversy that drew international attention. They also detail the nine-month battle to bring Matt Walsh to campus, the petition to ban the event, and how it ultimately led W&L to support free speech. Throughout, Drew and Henry reflect on what The Spectator taught them about leadership, the critical role of alumni support, and why independent student media remains essential to preserving W&L's tradition of civil discourse.

About the Podcast: "General Lee Speaking" is The Generals Redoubt's alumni history podcast exploring the critical characters and events that transformed Washington and Lee from a small Scots-Irish Academy into one of America's premier institutions.

READ A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE PODCAST HERE: https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/s/Episode-6-GLS-Transcriptdocx.pdf